Electrical equipment, wires must meet 25 new standards

Mar 16, 2019 News

Government says it is getting tough on electrical equipment and other supplies which must meet local standards that are being introduced.
This was made even clearer this week during a forum on the issue.
The Guyana Electrical Inspectorate (GEI), an agency under the purview of Ministry of Public Infrastructure, held its Sixth Annual Electrical Contractors Conference on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
This conference was held under the theme: “Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Green Energy in an Oil Developing Economy”.

Electrical contractors and others at the meeting on Thursday.

The conference drew the attention of 280 electrical contractors from across the country. It was attended by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Junior Minister, Annette Ferguson; the Guyana Energy Agency; National Insurance Scheme; Assuria; Guyana Revenue Authority; Kronoco Safety Solutions; Guyana Fire Service; Government Electrical Inspectorate; Guyana Power and Light; and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards.
Minister Ferguson noted that the contractors will be one of the main beneficiaries as the oil and gas sector. They were urged to think out of the box and to adopt to the new technologies of efficient energy usage.
Under the new arrangement there will be four categories of electrical licenses which will replace the existing ones. These four licenses include the Electrical Contractors Assistant License; the Electrical Contractor Level One; the Electrical Contractor Level Two and the Electrical Professional Contractor License.
All of the new categories with the exception of the Electrical Contractors Assistance License will be valid for three years and be machine readable.
Minister David Patterson disclosed that it is the intention for Guyana to reach the target of 100% renewable energy by the year 2025.
Patterson urged that the contractors seek the requisite knowledge and expertise as Guyana has become a signatory to the Green State Development Strategy Framework (GSDS).
“Over the years, there has been an increase of fires allegedly blamed on faulty wiring and substandard electrical products. It is for this reason the Guyana Electrical Inspectorate had sought approval to implement and enforce 25 new electrical standards of which was granted by the Electricity Sector Forum of 1999 and Electricity Sector (Technical Standards) Regulations of 2008.
“Before 2017, Guyana only had one voluntary electrical standard, but, as of 2019 we now have 25 new electrical standards of which are mandatory for all constructors to follow.”
Patterson admitted that the standards are not burdensome but designed to ensure safety and protection of lives, environment and property.

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